Alperton Community School Review 2026: Above the England Average with Specialist Strengths

In 1948, when Wembley hosted the Olympic Games, the school building on Stanley Avenue became an athletes' village, hosting competitors from across the Commonwealth. Nearly eight decades later, that same space embodies a school philosophy of aspiring, committing, and succeeding. Today, Alperton Community School stands as a non-selective, comprehensive secondary academy serving nearly 2,000 students across two sites in London's Borough of Brent. The school ranks in the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), with students regularly progressing to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. With specialisms in mathematics, computing, and the arts, this mixed academy combines academic ambition with genuine inclusion, welcoming a wonderfully diverse intake where 98% of students speak a language other than English at home. The investment in new lower-school facilities, completed in 2017, reflects institutional commitment to providing world-class learning environments.

Alperton Community School operates across two distinct campuses connected by philosophy and purpose. The lower school sits near Alperton Underground station on Ealing Road, housing Years 7, 8, and 9 in a modern facility completed in 2017 with 83 interconnected classrooms. The upper school occupies the historic Stanley Avenue building, a fine traditional structure that once housed Wembley County Grammar School. This architectural contrast mirrors the school's identity: rooted in educational heritage yet thoroughly modern in approach.

The school earned an Ofsted rating of Good with Outstanding Leadership and Management in July 2021. Students describe a supportive, caring, highly inclusive community. The atmosphere balances academic rigour with genuine care for every individual. Every student is allocated to a personal tutor responsible for their wellbeing and personal growth. Behaviour is calm and respectful throughout the day. The school actively promotes what it describes as its core motto, Aspire, Commit, Succeed, which permeates daily interactions and drives institutional culture.

Mr Christopher Dixon took over as headteacher in September 2024, arriving with a decade of experience as a senior leader across London and Surrey schools. His appointment signals continuity with a focus on maintaining the collaborative relationships between staff, students, and families that have underpinned recent progress. The school holds the Platinum Professional Development Mark, placing it among only four schools in the country with this designation. It is also one of only 100 schools nationwide holding the Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence. The school earned the Pearson National Silver Award for Making a Difference in 2022, and won the TES Maths Team of the Year in 2017.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, the school sits comfortably above England averages across all key metrics. In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score was 51.9, well above the England average of 45.9. Progress 8, which measures how much progress students make from their starting points compared to similar students nationally, came in at plus 0.79, indicating above-average progress. The percentage achieving top grades 9-8 in any entry sits at 19%, with 30% achieving grades 9-7 or above.

The school ranks 1,028th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% nationally. Locally in Brent, Alperton ranks 8th among secondary schools, a strong position within a competitive local authority. 22% of GCSE entries achieved grades 5 or above in the full English Baccalaureate (which includes languages, sciences, history or geography alongside English and maths), above the England average.

Particular subject strengths have emerged consistently over recent years. Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry attract strong results, with graduates progressing to demanding university courses. Most recent results highlighted the school's provision for the most able, with nearly a third of entries in English and maths achieving grades 9-7. Over 130 students achieved grade 9s in 2024, with individual students securing nine, eight, or seven grade 9s respectively. Disadvantaged students perform significantly above England averages, reflecting the school's emphasis on narrowing attainment gaps through targeted intervention and high expectations applied universally.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form operates from a newly built dedicated centre on the Stanley Avenue upper school site, serving approximately 300-350 students in Years 12 and 13. A-level results continue the pattern of above-average performance. In 2024, 55% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, above the England average of 47%. Additionally, 75% of students on applied programmes (BTECs and Level 3 vocational qualifications) achieved Distinction* or Distinction grades.

The school ranks 863rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% nationally. Progress measures for sixth form students indicate performance significantly above national and local averages. Three A-level subjects have been identified by independent research as operating at top-12 nationally for value-added progress, representing exceptional performance when considered across more than 2,500 institutions offering these qualifications. Mathematics, ICT, Computing, and the Sciences achieve particularly strong results. The school offers a genuinely broad A-level curriculum spanning from Physics to Photography, with 26+ subjects available annually.

The curriculum follows the national framework enhanced by the school's specialist status in mathematics, computing, and the arts. Teaching is structured, with clear expectations and sequenced learning that builds knowledge progressively. Mathematics is streamed from Year 4, allowing targeted support and challenge appropriate to each cohort. French begins in Year 1. Sciences are taught separately by specialists throughout the school, a feature the sixth form particularly emphasises as foundational to strong results in advanced study.

The school has invested substantially in physical infrastructure to support pedagogy. The new lower school features 14 science laboratories, 10 ICT rooms, 5 art rooms, 2 music rooms, 2 drama studios, and 6 design and technology rooms. All 83 classrooms are fitted with Promethean interactive whiteboards with integrated software, creating opportunities for dynamic, interactive learning. The upper school includes a newly renovated sixth form centre with dedicated computer suites, laptops, and study facilities. A large library serves both sites, well-stocked and actively used. The dining hall seats 450 students, enabling whole-cohort catering.

The school's specialism in computing reflects genuine institutional strength. The STEM programme includes regular workshops and a dedicated newsletter, with computing taught to high levels from Key Stage 3 through A-level. Design and Technology offers six separate specialist rooms, enabling project-based learning that integrates digital design with practical making. The commitment to arts provision extends beyond classroom hours into specialist teaching, enabling students to pursue textile design, fine art, drama, and music at levels that develop real expertise.

University destinations reflect the school's academic profile. In 2024, 57% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with a further 7% beginning apprenticeships, 19% entering employment, and 2% progressing to further education. The university-bound cohort achieved remarkably selective outcomes. Leavers secured places at prestigious Russell Group institutions including Cambridge, Imperial College London, Warwick, Bristol, King's College London, Queen Mary, Nottingham, London School of Economics, University of Glasgow, and UCL. Specific subject destinations included Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, Computing, Sociology, Psychology, Business, English, Fine Art, Astrophysics, and Engineering. One student securing a place was particularly noted; several achieved outstanding A-level grades (AAA* or equivalents) that position them competitively for demanding programmes.

Beyond universities, 13 students from the 2024 cohort secured positions on prestigious apprenticeships with leading employers including KPMG, Deloitte, IBM, PWC, Amazon, Google, Accenture, Shell, Mazars, and the Bank of England. The school's dedicated sixth form careers team specialises in UCAS coaching and university interview preparation. The careers programme extends beyond university, encompassing work experience opportunities, networking with employers, and guidance toward alternative pathways. Attendance rates and the percentage remaining in education, employment, or training are consistently well above England averages.

Alperton's extracurricular provision reflects the specialist status in mathematics, computing, and the arts. Clubs, societies, and enrichment activities run before school, during lunch, and after school throughout the week. All students are invited to a daily Breakfast Club offering free breakfast from 8am on both sites, deliberately positioning nutritional support as a universal entitlement rather than targeted provision. The school publishes a comprehensive enrichment timetable covering the full academic year, enabling students to plan participation intentionally.

Music and Performing Arts

Music provision spans ensemble participation, solo development, and group performance. The Winter Concert features substantial musical performances from both contemporary and classical repertoire, reflecting significant staff preparation and student commitment. Sixth form students participate in the ACS Orchestra, drawing students across multiple year groups. A Cantamus choir provides ensemble singing opportunities. Music tuition operates both through whole-class instrumental learning schemes and individual lessons in piano, guitar, brass, and other instruments. The two dedicated music rooms on the lower school site facilitate this provision, with the upper school offering specialist music teaching space. Music features prominently within STEM+Arts integration, where computing students explore music production and audio engineering.

Drama and Theatre

Two drama studios facilitate intensive drama teaching and performance opportunities. Students engage with scripted text study, physical theatre, devising, and stage production. Whole-school productions represent major undertakings, with students across multiple year groups involved in cast, ensemble, technical, and support roles. The DT Work of the Month feature celebrates student achievement in performance and design contexts. Sixth form drama achieves consistently strong results, with textiles and performance design supporting theatre production at scale.

STEM and Computing

The STEM programme operates as a dedicated club and integrated curriculum offer. Computing Club, alongside broader STEM workshops and newsletters, offers students opportunity to pursue coding, robotics, and digital problem-solving beyond classroom hours. The Imperial College Maker Challenge, an innovative outreach programme from Imperial College London, has involved Alperton students in solving real-world problems through design and engineering. Year 8 students have participated in enrichment activities including cross-curricular bread-making sessions linked to science curriculum content. Design and technology enrichment activities develop practical making skills. The six design and technology rooms provide specialist spaces for project work that extends into genuine engineering challenges.

Sports and Physical Activity

Sports provision reflects both participation and excellence pathways. A sports hall measuring 34 by 18 metres accommodates four badminton courts and three cricket practice nets, with markings for basketball, volleyball, and netball. Two Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) outdoor provide additional space for team sport development. A 3G pitch, currently without floodlights and therefore limited to daytime weekend usage, hosts regular competitive play and provides venue hire opportunity for local clubs. The school fields teams in traditional sports including football, netball, badminton, volleyball, and cricket. Sports News pages celebrate student achievement and upcoming fixtures, maintaining a culture of active participation.

Arts Galleries and Student Voice

The ACS Art Galleries provide dedicated exhibition space for student artwork across multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, textiles, and digital art. DT Work of the Month celebrates practical design and making. The school operates BBC Young Reporter opportunities, connecting students with broadcasting and media practice. An Eco School commitment drives environmental enrichment, with students taking active roles in sustainability initiatives and garden-based learning.

Community Connections

The school maintains strong alumni connections through annual Alumni Days, inviting former students to network, strengthen community bonds, and inspire current students. The Alperton PTFA actively fundraises and organises family-facing community activities. Friends of Alperton support school initiatives. Community links extend beyond the school gates, with artists in residence (AiR) programme bringing external creative practitioners into the building.

The school operates as a non-selective community academy with two entry points: Year 7 for lower school students and Year 12 for external sixth form applicants. The lower school continues to experience high demand. When admitting to Year 7, the school prioritises looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, followed by distance from the school gate. In the most recent cycle, last distance offered was 0.812 miles, reflecting sustained oversubscription. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Secondary entry to Year 12 (sixth form) requires a minimum of six GCSE qualifications at grades 6-9, including English Language and Mathematics. Internal students (those already at the school) gain priority for sixth form places, followed by external applicants meeting entry criteria and subject-specific requirements. Students typically study four A-level subjects or equivalent in Year 12, narrowing to three in Year 13. The deadline for priority consideration in typical years falls in late November; applications received after this become late applications and join a waiting list.

Applications for both entry points proceed through the relevant local authority's coordinated admissions process. The school holds regular open events (typically September or October for Year 7 entry, and spring term for sixth form). Parents are advised to contact the school directly for up-to-date open day schedules and application timelines.

Every student is allocated to a personal tutor within a tutor group structure, with tutors taking explicit responsibility for individual growth and wellbeing. The school emphasises pastoral care as foundational to academic progress, believing that students learn best in environments where they feel known, supported, and safe. Mental health and wellbeing resources are available throughout the school day, with counselling provision accessed through appropriate channels. Safeguarding is taken seriously, with established reporting procedures and responsive support systems. The school actively promotes respectful behaviour and manages concerns with transparent support structures. Staff model the values they espouse, creating visible exemplars of the behaviour expected.

The school operates a dress code uniform policy, supporting a sense of community identity and reducing potential stigma around clothing economics. School meals are subsidised, with free school meals available for eligible families. Student voice is genuinely sought through formal structures including student council representation and feedback mechanisms. Students are encouraged to report concerns through established channels, with known adults responding consistently.

The school operates from 8:50am to 3:20pm on both sites (lower school and upper school). Breakfast Club begins at 8am daily on both campuses, offering free breakfast and early-morning supervised space. The lower school sits near Alperton Underground station on Ealing Road, accessible via the Piccadilly Line with parking available on nearby roads. The upper school occupies Stanley Avenue, approximately three minutes from the lower site by road. Ample onsite parking is available for staff and visitors. The school journey for some students involves travelling between the two sites, which the timetable accommodates. Students moving from Key Stage 3 (Year 9 at lower school) to Key Stage 4 (Year 10 at upper school) experience a managed transition. Public transport links are strong throughout the Wembley area, with multiple bus routes serving both sites.

Specialist curriculum identity. The school's specialism in mathematics, computing, and the arts shapes curriculum priorities and enrichment focus. While the school provides a full national curriculum offer, there is a clear emphasis on these three areas. Families should verify that their child's interests align with these specialisms or that the school's broad offer (including humanities, sciences, and languages) will suffice.

Oversubscribed entry. Demand for Year 7 places significantly exceeds availability. Last distance in recent cycles was under one mile, requiring families to live within very close proximity to secure places. Those relying on proximity should verify current distances before making housing decisions, as annual variation occurs based on applicant patterns.

Two-site structure. Students transition from lower to upper school during Years 9/10, a shift that involves moving buildings and campuses. While the sites are minutes apart and the transition is carefully managed, some students may find the change disruptive. Most students thrive within this model, viewing it as natural progression similar to college or sixth form entry elsewhere.

Sixth form selectivity. A-level entry requires strong GCSE performance (minimum grades 6-9 in six subjects including English and Maths). This creates a relatively high-attaining student population in the sixth form, which may be appealing to some families but potentially challenging for those with lower GCSE grades seeking A-level provision.

A high-performing comprehensive secondary with genuine commitment to inclusion and diversity, Alperton succeeds through ambitious teaching, strong leadership, and transparent pastoral care. Results well above England averages in both GCSE and A-level, combined with a real specialism in mathematics, computing, and the arts, position the school among the strongest state secondaries in London. The building investment (lower school renovation in 2017, dedicated sixth form centre) provides students with facilities that match the aspirations expressed in the curriculum. Students seem genuinely comfortable here; behaviour is calm and respectful; staff invest time in knowing individuals. The school is particularly suited to families seeking a non-selective, fully inclusive secondary where outcomes reflect high expectations applied universally, where diversity is celebrated as strength, and where academic progress does not come at the expense of wellbeing. The main challenge is securing a place; once admitted, the educational experience is exceptionally strong.